Tubbutec/Roland Juno-66 Demonstration & Installation Tutorial

video upload by Vintage Synthesizer Solutions

"A demonstration of Tubbutec's fantastic Juno-66 mod. All sounds have been made using the Juno-6 with the Tubbutec mod and recorded without the use of effects (excluding drums made with the Cyclone Analogic TT-606)."

Tubbutec/Roland Juno 66 Upgrade: Complete Installation Tutorial + Demo Track~


"Please join us while we demonstrate the process of installing Tubbutec's fantastic Juno-66 mod into an absolutely gorgeous Roland Juno-6... while also trying to keep it as original as possible. We go through the entire job, step by step, so you can decide if this is a job you feel comfortable taking on yourself, or not (to be seriously considered). We are not affiliated with Tubbutec in any way, but we do install their kits quite often. They make fantastic mods for other synths as well and the website is absolutely worth checking out: www.tubbutec.de.

ALL of the background music and the demo track at the end is original content. It was made entirely from sounds we recorded from the Juno-6 post install (aside from the drums; there are no effects on the synth sounds!)! We also tried to include as many sounds as possible that demonstrate the additional functionality the mod offers, but back to the details...

Aside from adding midi in & out jacks, this mod adds some amazing additional play modes like two unison modes with detune. There's also 2 and 3 voice modes that stack oscillators, but still allow some polyphony. We feature these various play modes heavily in the sounds of the demo track. It also an incredible polyphonic portamento feature, way more ARP modes (sequenced too). If that wasn't enough to breath new life into your ability to get creative with your Juno, the mod also adds 2 additional filter LFOs, an additional (paraphonic) envelope dedicated to the filter, as well as filter, pitch bend, ARP, and portamento control via midi.

All of these additional features are easily accessed by easy to learn button press combinations. However, Stereoping does offer their controller which brings all these additional features to surface level. However, it must be reiterated that the additional features are really easy to access without having the dedicated programmer."

Teisco S-100P Vintage Analog Synthesizer Keyboard

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Last of the great Japanese monophonic preset synths, this features all the groovy late 1970s add-ons in the vein of the ARP Pro-Soloist and Roland SH-1000/2000. Built-in spring reverb, aftertouch-controlled growl/bend/vibrato/wow/filter, flanger, repeater, portamento AND glissando. I bought this and used it on an album for a project that no longer exists, so looking to send it off to a new home. I have always used the instrument with a 120V-to-100V step-down converter to meet the Japanese electrical standard, and so recommend that you do the same.

The synth was fully serviced in 2018 and the only thing that the tech said they would eventually replace was the aftertouch strip - there are aftermarket solutions available which would rejuvenate its sensitivity to the way it was when it left the factory. It works well, you just have to press down on the keys firmly, so I didn't opt for that. There's a USB-powered LED strip visible in the pictures which added some fun lights - it comes right off for those looking to keep things vintage ;) It does not come with the original 'music stand' metal attachment nor the plastic cover I believe it came with originally."

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Analogue Solutions Announces Colossus #4

I almost skipped posting this as the only news here is there's a 4th production run of the Colossus. I guess it's interesting knowing how many are out there. What's also interesting is I always assumed the Colossus was either built in a limited initial run, or it was built per order only. This is a mammoth endeaver and each one costs 25,000 GBP which comes out to $35,000 US. It is $4500 less than this little Sennheiser VSM201 Vocoder!

Note, the images in this post appear to be stock. You can find demos of the Colossus in previous posts here.

Press release follows:
""Analogue Solutions announces forthcoming fourth run of Colossus supersized synth that trips back to the future of analogue

KINGSWINFORD, UK: following a showstopping showcase during its introduction at SynthFest UK 2019 in Sheffield, British boutique electronic instruments innovator Analogue Solutions is proud to announce a forthcoming fourth run of Colossus — its supersized synth that trips back to the future of analogue, albeit symbolising so much more than a powerful analogue ‘workstation’ with no fewer than 12 VCOs (Voltage-Controlled Oscillators) beating at its monumental musical heart, rather representing art, architecture, and superlative studio furniture at its hand-built best by taking its design cues from the colossal classic that is the EMS Synthi 100, although no Synthi circuit was cloned or copied in making the destined-to-be-classic Colossus fit for a new generation of high-flying owners — as of February 15…

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G-Sonique Alien303 Updated to 64bit

via G-Sonique

"Another boring imitation of the classic 303 sound? No way!
The Alien 303 is the ultimate synthesizer primarily aimed to generate the psytrance basslines easily which were always so hard to create and fine-tune using the traditional synthesizers. Alien 303 can
be used also as classic acid synth in many genres like: techno, acid house, rave, trance and others...

Even though the Alien 303 is based on vintage 303 concept it offers many more features. Its sound spectrum and possibilities are totally different from the other solutions. The Alien 303 delivers sharper, more digital and tougher sounds.

Try the new features like special digital oscillators with precise sound, simulator of unison / chorus or extra effective non-linear saturator. Don't waste your time with fine-tuning of psytrance bass with the classic synthesizers and try the alien 303 now !

The Alien 303 can be also used for creating tough acid sounds and melodies.

Features:
- 10 digital and virtual analog oscillators ( An.Saw, D.Saw, Saw HB, Saw DB, VNT Saw, An.Ramp, D.Ramp, D.Square, Square, Pulse )
- Vintage virtual analog filter with resonance, sharp and organic sound.
- Unison/chorus effect
- Non-linear saturation unit
- PingPong stereo delay
- Amp/filter envelope
- Portamento


PRODUCT PAGE: https://www.g-sonique.com/alien303.html

FREE DOWNLOAD for customers: https://www.g-sonique.com/login.html

Price: 13.90 Eur, time-limited Summer sale: 9.9 Eur!"

Analogue Solutions Fusebox SN 0700461866916

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Fusebox is a 3 VCO true analogue monosynth with the legendary Analogue Solutions vintage synth sound.

Designed by Tom Carpenter – a user and collector of vintage sounds, and a musician with a passion for electronic music.

All the voice and modulations are 100% analogue. Fusebox features an advance choice of modulation and melodic possibilities right out of the box before even plugging in MIDI.

Fusebox features no presets – each sound is unique and created by the user!

There is no quantisation, stepping, or locking in by CPU.

Fusebox is designed, engineered and built in England by Analogue Solutions who have over 24 years in the synthesizer industry."

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Sequential In The Spotlight Interview with ANDREI KUDRYAVTSEV

You can find the interview on Sequential's website here.

"Unlike many Sequential artists who play their trade in the studio or on stage, Andrei Kudryavtsev labors largely behind the scenes as a technologist. With a Computer Science degree and a background as a classically trained pianist, he’s combined his two passions into a lifestyle as an Intel engineer and a synth tech/home studio maven. As Andrei puts it: “Everything that I’m working on falls into one of those categories and when it’s somewhere in the middle that makes me the happiest. The world of music and technology opened up for me when I got my first synthesizer 20 years ago. Fast forward to the present and I’m a Solutions Architect for Intel, working on Solid State Drives that power the leading edge of that technology. But by night I’m in my studio, immersed in the world of synthesizers. I enjoy repairing vintage instruments, especially early digital ones, as they are computers on their own. There are generally no standards, different architectures, and in every case there is a real catch to overcome hardware limitations. I’m known for my work on sampler restoration — instruments such as the Fairlight Series II/III, EMU Emulator I/II/III, Kurzweil 250, the original SCI Prophet 2000, the Synclavier, and many more. Each of them are unique in many ways including their sound. All of this was sort of the groundworks for my involvement with Sequential and the Prophet-X.”

We chatted with Andrei about the SSD used in the Prophet X."
---
You can find previous posts featuring Sequential's Spotlight series here.

Analogue Solutions Impulse Command Synthesizer Details

Published on Mar 31, 2019 Analogue Solutions

Additional details are in.

"What is it?

Impulse Command is here!

True STEREO analogue synth / sonic realizer. Perfect for melodic and percussion loops. Very easy (and fun!) to create modular style analogue loops. It’s a complete soundtrack all by itself!

It’s wrong to call it a synthesizer (in fact a new word needs to be invented) because then you get preconceived ideas about what it does. It’s a whole lot more than a synth. It’s also part drum synth, part pattern generator, part modular loop producer.

All its unique features plus the 2 independent LPFs give this machine the ability to produce stereo loops that sound like multiple synths playing at once.

Special features:

Analogue synth: analogue audio and modulation circuits

Stereo / dual filters

This synth can sound like multiple synths all at once

Stereo digital effects (reverb and delay)

16 step analogue sequencer

16 step MIDI Note sequencer

Dynamic internal patch system

ReOrder! feature to create new melodies from the sequencer

Dynamic VCO mix levels

Semi-modular

High-quality build

Impulse Command is a compact true analogue synth in a neat, smart, package. When we say ‘real analogue’ we mean that the entire audio path (aside from the post effects of course!) and all modulation are entirely analogue, using circuits based on awesome sounding vintage 1970s designs. Their circuits are not locked down by CPUs. Controls are not quantised and read by CPUs. With the exception of the essential digital elements (that is MIDI conversion, sequencer control and digital delay/reverb), Impulse Command really is analogue and the sound benefit is immediately apparent!"

You can find previous posts here.

Analogue Solutions Fusebox Black - Limited Edition

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Fusebox is a 3 VCO true analogue monosynth with the legendary Analogue Solutions vintage synth sound.

Designed by Tom Carpenter – a user and collector of vintage sounds, and a musician with a passion for electronic music.

All the voice and modulations are 100% analogue. Fusebox features an advance choice of modulation and melodic possibilities right out of the box before even plugging in MIDI.

Fusebox features no presets – each sound is unique and created by the user!

There is no quantisation, stepping, or locking in by CPU.

Fusebox is designed, engineered and built in England by Analogue Solutions who have over 24 years in the synthesizer industry."

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AELITA - 3-VCO RAREST VINTAGE ANALOG SYNTHESIZER with MIDI

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"ALL CAPACITORS REPLACED. 1/4TRS "JACK" INSTALLED.

MIDI INTERFACE INSTALLED!For sale is a legendary, extremely rare & powerful QUEEN OF SOVIET SYNTHS - 'AELITA'.
It is a 3-oscillator monophonic synthesizer with 44 keys, produced by the Murom radio plant in the USSR in 1980s. The device is housed in a strong aluminum body. Sound control is performed with handy faders and buttons. The synth has really impressive analog sound - it is convenient for modeling of fat analog basses, classic rock leads, hard razor waves, various space FX`s, noises, ambient textures and much more... It is able to form both hard and soft timbres. By activating the UNISON function, the number of simultaneously sounding voices may be 5 or 6. Because you can detune the three independent oscillators, it is possible to create 'one finger chord hits'.

AELITA synthesizer consists of 5 basic synthesis sections, which are the following: TUNING, REGISTERS/TIMBRE (osc wave switch), UNISON/VOICE LEVEL, TIMBRES CONTROL (filter), VOLUME CONTROL (amplifier). A wide range of modulation functions are available, including RING MODULATION. The synthesizer provides a three oscillator voice, with the addition of unison function, which adds extra timbres to basic sound. Respectively, there are separate controls for all oscillators in all sections.

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05-Analogue Solutions Treadstone- Song Demonstration 5

Published on Jul 9, 2018 AutomaticGainsay

"Here is a musical example of the sound of the Analogue Solutions Treadstone. All of the synth sounds were created with the Treadstone, and are presented without effect or equalization. The drums and percussion sounds were created and sequenced on a Korg Triton LE.

The Treadstone is a shockingly powerful synthesizer for its size, and is also the smallest modern synthesizer with its level of vintage analog tone."

04-Analogue Solutions Treadstone- Song Demonstration 4

Published on Jul 4, 2018 AutomaticGainsay

"Here is a musical example of the sound of the Analogue Solutions Treadstone. All of the synth sounds were created with the Treadstone, and are presented without effect or equalization. The drums and percussion sounds were created and sequenced on a Korg Triton LE.

The Treadstone is a shockingly powerful synthesizer for its size, and is also the smallest modern synthesizer with its level of vintage analog tone."

Analogue Solutions Treadstone Videos by AutomaticGainsay

03-Analogue Solutions Treadstone- Song Demonstration 3

Published on Jul 2, 2018 AutomaticGainsay

"Here is a musical example of the sound of the Analogue Solutions Treadstone. All of the synth sounds were created with the Treadstone, and are presented without effect or equalization. The drums and percussion sounds were created and sequenced on a Korg Triton LE.

The Treadstone is a shockingly powerful synthesizer for its size, and is also the smallest modern synthesizer with its level of vintage analog tone."

Analogue Solutions Treadstone Videos by AutomaticGainsay

02-Analogue Solutions Treadstone- Song Demonstration 2

Published on Jun 29, 2018 AutomaticGainsay

"Here is a musical example of the sound of the Analogue Solutions Treadstone. All of the synth sounds were created with the Treadstone, and are presented without effect or equalization. The drums and percussion sounds were created and sequenced on a Korg Triton LE.

The Treadstone is a shockingly powerful synthesizer for its size, and is also the smallest modern synthesizer with its level of vintage analog tone."

Analogue Solutions Treadstone AutomaticGainsay videos.

01-Analogue Solutions Treadstone- Song Demonstration 1

Published on Jun 27, 2018 AutomaticGainsay

"Here is a musical example of the sound of the Analogue Solutions Treadstone. All of the synth sounds were created with the Treadstone, and are presented without effect or equalization. The drums and percussion sounds were created and sequenced on a Korg Triton LE.

The Treadstone is a shockingly powerful synthesizer for its size, and is also the smallest modern synthesizer with its level of vintage analog tone.

Support the creation of this video and all of the Automatic Gainsay videos that have helped you by becoming an Automatic Gainsay supporter on Patreon!
http://www.patreon.com/automaticgainsay"

Analogue Solutions Treadstone Videos by AutomaticGainsay

Analogue Solutions Treadstone Press Release & Price

We've seen the demo videos including initial details (scroll down when you get there). We now have the official press release and the price: £499.00 GBP, $599.00 USD, and €589.00 EUR.

"Analogue Solutions spreads synthBlocks series wings with tiny Treadstone true analogue mono synth

KINGSWINFORD, UK: hot on the heels of its inaugural Mr Hyde and Dr Strangelove so-called synthBlocks (launched late last year to widespread critical acclaim), British boutique electronic instruments innovator Analogue Solutions is proud to widen the self-explanatory series’ scope with Treadstone — taking the same smart, small, and affordable desktop design-driven analogue attributes of its similarly superior-sounding signal-processing siblings and applying them to a true analogue mono synth that packs a lot of (patchable) punch into a perfectly-matched, portable package — as of January 19…

Treadstone takes its intriguing name from a fictional highly-classified, heavily-guarded secret program that features in the series of books based on a fictional spy and associated feature films; it is shut down as the thrilling plot thickens, alas. As the latest addition to Analogue Solutions’ synthBlocks series — squarely aimed at laptop and audio plug-ins-focused digital musicians wishing to apply analogue, hands-on hardware sound-sculpting creativity to their sometimes sterile-sounding computer-based creations, the tiny Treadstone true analogue mono synth is far from fictional, however; hearing is believing, but it would, without question, make for a superior-sounding, space-saving desktop addition to any discerning film composer’s creative studio space — or anyone else’s, for that matter!

More meaningfully, maybe, Treadstone treads far from carefully, but boldly goes where few analogue synthesizers dare to win... with an all-analogue audio path and modulation circuits based on superior-sounding designs dating back to the mid-Seventies, so no CPU (Central Processing Unit) stabilised and quantised circuits, no DCOs (Digitally-Controlled Oscillators), and no digital EGs (Envelope Generators), as are often found on other ‘all-analogue’ affairs. Analogue as in really analogue — aside from the MIDI-to-CV circuit (which, by its very nature, must include a digital element) — in other words.

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Analogue Solutions Leipzig-s SN 7885

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"The Analogue Solutions Leipzig-s synthesizer is a two-oscillator monophonic fully-analog MIDI synthesizer. Its signal path is not only analog, but so are its control functions... envelope, LFO, etc. Because it is a fully-analog synthesizer with circuit designs based on vintage analog synthesizers, it evinces the tone that is what you seek when you're looking for vintage analog sound.

In addition to amazing and fat tone, the Leipzig-s has a great set of functionality. The oscillators have independent glide and independent pulse-width modulation. There is a sub oscillator that can be generated by either oscillator. The filter is a 24db per octave low pass that seems like it was deeply inspired by Moog, and generates one of the thickest, richest filter tones in modern analog synthesizers. The filter can be controlled with either of the two envelopes. The modulation section is complex and allows each oscillator to be modulated by a number of sources, including different waveforms from the LFO, envelopes, the other oscillator, and MIDI. The filter can also be modulated by these sources, allowing a level of complexity that is very useful. Especially for creating drum sounds.

The Leipzig-s also has an analog sequencer that can be MIDI controlled. If you want true vintage analog sequencing sounds with an analog synthesizer, this is a quick and inexpensive way to get them! The sequencer is single-channel, but allows you to control the oscillators in independent amounts. The sequencer can also control the filter."

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Analogue Solutions Mr Hyde and Dr Strangelove synthBlocks Signal Processors Now Available

"AS announces availability of Mr Hyde and Dr Strangelove synthBlocks signal processors


KINGSWINFORD, UK: British boutique electronic instruments innovator Analogue Solutions is proud to announce availability of Mr Hyde and Dr Strangelove — introducing its synthBlocks series of small and affordable desktop signal processors with two tantalisingly-named new products squarely aimed at laptop and audio plug-ins-focused digital musicians wishing to apply analogue, hands-on hardware processing to their sometimes sterile-sounding computer- based creations — as of November 17…

The synthBlocks series represents an all-new range of small and affordable desktop signal processors produced by British boutique electronic instruments innovator Analogue Solutions, an acclaimed company with over 24 years of designing serious-sounding synthesizers featuring fully-analogue audio paths with analogue LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators) and EGs (Envelope Generators) to its notable name. Similarly, synthBlocks are all-analogue affairs — albeit with some lo-fi digital effects thrown in for good (musical) measure. Menus and software are all eschewed in favour of a hardy hardware approach. As such, synthBlocks are squarely aimed at laptop and audio plug-ins-focused digital musicians wishing to apply analogue, hands-on hardware processing to their sometimes sterile-sounding computer-based creations. Cue simply plugging the synthBlocks in question into an audio interface’s I/O connections, then routing drums, synths, vocals, or whatever out of the DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) and through the transistors and op-amps of the synthBlocks and recording the results back into the DAW. Something similar can be achieved by connecting the synthBlocks to the auxiliary buss of a mixing console — just like any other effects processor. Whatever the workflow, turning the dials and flicking the switches by hand of course changes the sound in realtime — often with radical results. Results of course can be radically different — depending on which of the two available synthBlocks are applied to any given sound signal.

Many might have heard of Mr Edward Hyde, an abominable alternative personality of Dr Henry Jekyll, a fictional character in Robert Louis Stevenson's Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde gothic novella first published in 1886. However, hearing Analogue Solutions’ Mr Hyde in the here and now is something else entirely! As announced, Mr Hyde was the first out of the starting blocks in its synthBlocks series as an analogue filter effects box bringing subtle to extreme filtering and modulation effects to the analogue processing production table. To further aid ease of use, Mr Hyde has quarter-inch input and output jacks on its rear, so can be connected straight to an audio interface or mixer without the need for adaptors. The topside of its distinctive blood-red panel features minijack sockets to patch with a semi-modular synth, such as Analogue Solutions’ relatively recently released Fusebox — an aptly-named, three-VCO (Voltage- Controlled Oscillator) true analogue monophonic synthesizer that favourably fuses the company’s characterful vintage sound with an advanced choice of modulation and melodic possibilities (in a beautifully-built box); ever-popular Eurorack small-format modular systems; or other modular systems.

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Lyra-8 Simpler Organismic Textures with Percussive Oberheim SEM Pro and Sequencing Semblance

Published on Oct 13, 2017 martinjazz78

"Good speakers or headphones are highly recommended. These synths sound so beautifully and deserve appropriate listening device.

Another excerpt from my dawless synth jam with amazing yet for me still not easily controllable Lyra-8 by SOMA synths from Russia. In this part, I was producing textures (quasi harmonies) on Lyra-8 and again was pleasantly surprised by sheer beauty and inspirativness of everything coming out Lyra, although many of these sounds weren't intended and even expected to happen.

Percussive sequence on the background is modern reissue of classic Tom Oberheim's SEM Pro controlled by Cirklon hardware sequencer. Cirklon also controls Semblance by Analogue Solutions, which is in fact a clone of the Oberheim's SEM, but it sounds completely different. Both synths are processed through the vintage tape Roland Space Echo for delay and Strymon Big Sky for reverb.

Additionally you hear Taurus III Bass Pedals by Moog Music (from about middle of the video) giving some long sustained bass tones (again controlled by Cirklon). Last but not least, you hear Ken Macbeth's Elements Synthesizer creating very organically sounding atmospheric ambience.

Enjoy ;)"

Lyra-8 Expressive Lead with SEM Pro, Semblance and Taurus III Sequencing

Published on Oct 11, 2017 martinjazz78

"For your maximum pleasure use good speakers or good headphones while watching/listening to this video.

I openly admit I am still very far from mastering Lyra-8 on at least intermediate level. At the moment, I don't think I am able to predict more than 60% of what's going to happen in the next moment, if I tweak this knob, switch or change this or that on the instrument. But still it produces so expressive and inspiring sounds no matter what, so you just want to play it. As most of the videos I saw before I decided to order Lyra-8 were Lyra-8 as solo instruments, I am also very happy and glad Lyra integrates so naturally and easily into the rest of my set up.

This video is an excerpt from about two hours long improvisation/dawless synth jam. In this segment I managed to turn Lyra-8 into what I would call expressive lead synth, but I have no problem, if you disagree with such label in the context of this video and how Lyra-8 sounds in it. Anyway the rest of the set up is SEM Pro by Tom Oberheim, Semblance by Analogue Solutions and Taurus III Bass Pedals - all sequenced by Cirklon hardware sequencer. Additionally there is also Elements Synthesizer by Ken Macbeth producing self-generated and beautifully organic sounds. Lyra-8, SEM Pro, Semblance and Taurus III are also processed through Strymon Big Sky for reverb and SEM Pro with Semblance also through the vintage tape Roland Space Echo for delay.

Enjoy ;)"

Analogue Solutions Fusebox Pre-Orders Open

See the banners on the right for availability at your favorite shops!

And the official press release:

"AS accepts preorders for Fusebox analogue — as in really analogue — monosynth with advanced abilities

KINGSWINFORD, UK: with the first batch having effectively sold out in advance, British boutique electronic instruments innovator Analogue Solutions is proud to announce that it is accepting second batch preorders for Fusebox — an aptly-named, three-VCO (Voltage-Controlled Oscillator) true analogue monophonic synthesizer that favourably fuses the company’s characterful vintage sound with an advanced choice of modulation and melodic possibilities (in a beautifully-built box)... before plugging in any MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) cables, even — as of October 6…

As implied by the REAL ANALOGUE VOICE & MODULATION CIRCUITS ‘caption’ boldly blazoned across a brightly-coloured orange panel fronting a no- compromise steel/aluminium-constructed casing (with no plastic mouldings) that’s sure to stand out from (the sound) of the crowd — to partially paraphrase the early-Eighties British breakthrough hit from synth-pop pioneers The Human League (who have a soft spot for Analogue Solutions synthesizers themselves), Fusebox is a true analogue monophonic synthesizer in a smart, small package. Analogue as in really analogue. Aside from the MIDI-to-CV circuit, which, by its very nature, must include a digital element, everything else is absolutely analogue. For Fusebox trades on real transistors and op-amps — no CPU (Central Processing Unit) stabilised and quantised circuits, no DCOs (Digitally-Controlled Oscillators), and no digital EGs (Envelope Generators), as are often found on other so-called analogue synthesizers. Since the circuitry is based on designs dating back to the mid- Seventies, Fusebox proudly possesses a truly vintage sound. The kind of sound that the likes of The Human League made their own and continue to trade on to this day during an analogue renaissance that’s still showing no signs of abating anytime soon.

So, as an aptly-named true analogue monophonic synthesizer, Fusebox wears its colours well. With three VCOs beating at its musical heart, here is a precision electronic musical instrument that combines must-have electronic circuitry to create a powerful synthesizer statement seriously housed in an eye-catching, compact box. But this is to be expected given its industry pedigree, perhaps. After all, Fusebox was designed by Analogue Solutions founder Tom Carpenter. As a fervent fan of electronic music and also an active electronic musician himself, he naturally knows a thing or two about programming synthesizers. So his latest and greatest creation clearly wasn’t the result of engineering design decisions alone — nor driven by a steering committee of men (or woman) in suits. So what’s inside this beautifully-built box of subtractive synthesis tricks, then?

Those three VCOs, for starters — sawtooth and square waveforms available to each and all. And all have CV (Control Voltage) inputs for PITCH and PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) alongside manual PW (Pulse Width) controls. Creatively speaking, though, there are some striking variations: VCO 1 has OCT (octave) and XMOD (cross modulation) FROM VCO2 switches; VCO 2 has a WIDE TUNE (range) switch — allowing a wide tuning range (right down into low frequency territory) — alongside an oscillator SYNC FROM VCO 1 switch; VCO 3 also has a WIDE TUNE switch, together with a MIDI PITCH switch control — can be disabled to make this a free-running oscillator, ideal for modulation. Meanwhile, VCO 2 and VCO 3 can both be pressed into service as LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators) — as implied by their respective VCO / VCLFO ‘lettering’.

Leaving that OSCILLATORS section behind... well, almost, and moving, momentarily, into MIXING (with MUTE switches and additional audio inputs), here Fusebox features white NOISE and a SUB oscillator (taken from VCO 3). Thereafter, the all-important FILTERS section is centred around a 12dB MULTIMODE VCF (Voltage-Controlled Filter) featuring LP (Low Pass), HP (High Pass), BP (Band Pass), and NOTCH filters. Flexibility further abounds at the AMPLIFIER section with a VCA (Voltage-Controlled Amplifier) allowing for EG and THRU (bypass) switching; an advanced MODULATION section with a FADE IN (delay)-featured LFO; and an ENVELOPES section with two trigger option-friendly envelope generators (EG1 and EG2).

Elsewhere, the INTERVAL GENERATOR is a special type of pitch transposer that allows users to set six different pitches to each of the switches, then transpose the VCOs manually to create performances — perfect when used in conjunction with the ARPEGGIATOR and/or PATTERNATOR.

The ARPEGGIATOR allows an external MIDI keyboard to be used to program in the notes to be arpeggiated and will also transmit the notes to the Fusebox’s MIDI O (output). On top of that, the ARPEGGIATOR can also be used as a simple 16-step sequencer.
The PATTERNATOR is a unique type of sequencer/rhythm generator. Its four CV controls can be used to create melodic loops that can be changed in realtime using the RESET and SKIP switches. The eight-step gate/trigger pattern generator can be altered using the two BEAT knobs.

Needless to say, all Fusebox’s circuits have extensive minijack input and output sockets, so it can be cross-patched within itself to create an almost infinite range of sounds. Or it can be cross-patched with other synthesizers and modular systems for further flexibility. Fusebox is partially pre-patched in itself, but almost all of those patches can be cancelled using various switches and controls. Indeed, it has such a wide range of modulation routing possibilities that it is almost as versatile as a full modular system so can produce the same types of sounds — and all without patch cable clutter and confusion!

Complex or as simple as the end user wants it to be, as a monophonic analogue synthesizer, Fusebox can be used for analogue sound effects, fat basses, screaming leads, bleeps, blurps, zaps, and all manner of other crazy sounds associated with subtractive synthesis. Since Fusebox features an audio input socket, it is possible to feed external sounds through the onboard analogue filters for analogue processing purposes. It even has real ‘analogue’ hardwood sides — sustainably sourced, of course! Clearly, Fusebox is analogue — as in really analogue — through and through, then.


The UK price for Fusebox is £1,140.00 GBP (excluding VAT), available from UK dealers and Analogue Solutions directly. (Dealers will start seeing stock arrive as of October 2017: http://analoguesolutions.com/global-distribution/)

North American availability of Fusebox is being handled via Voltage & Company (http://www.vcousa.com) — full-service reps of high-quality manufacturers from around the world — with a retail price of $1,599.00 USD, while (most) EU distribution is being handled by Sonic Sales (http://www.sonic-sales.de) — one of the largest full-service MI (Musical Instrument) distribution companies in Europe — priced at €1,519.00 EUR (including VAT)."